Why is cefotaxime administered intravenously instead of oral cephalosporins for a client with meningitis?

Cefotaxime is specifically chosen for intravenous administration in cases of meningitis because it effectively penetrates the blood-brain barrier to reach therapeutic concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS). Meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, requires antibiotics that can rapidly reach sufficient levels in the CNS to combat the infection effectively.

Unlike oral cephalosporins, which may not achieve high enough concentrations in the CNS due to absorption and distribution limitations, cefotaxime, when given intravenously, ensures that the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream and can access the CNS more efficiently. This is critical in treating serious infections like meningitis, where timely and adequate antibiotic levels are essential for efficacy and patient recovery.